spyware and adware

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spyware and adware

• peter klausler
• sophomore
• cosc279
• december 10th, 2003

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major points

• what are adware and spyware?
• what can i do about it?
• real spyware
• summary

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what are adware and spyware?

• Adware is usually associated with the banner ads
  in shareware programs
• it is a way for shareware authors to make money
  off of otherwise free programs
• the Adware is annoying, and may be removed if you
  buy a so-called premium version of the program
• Adware is a good tip-off that Spyware was also
  installed

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what are adware and spyware?

• Spyware does exactly what its name suggests
• Spyware can
• track which websites are visited and for how long
• log your keystrokes
• analyze your computers set-up
• Spyware continuously transmits this data to its
  mothership via your internet connection
• this is perfectly legal as no personal data is
  collected
• not all Adware contains Spyware, but its highly
  likely

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what can i do about it?

• websites such as spychecker.com are useful
• though, only if you know the name of the spyware
• try to actually read through the EULA (End User
  License Agreement) the Spyware is often
  mentioned
• there are many programs available to help you
  identify and remove Adware and Spyware
• one of the most popular is Lavasofts Ad-aware
  available at lavasoft.de

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real spyware

• hackers use commercial spyware designed for
  parents and teachers
• this spyware can
• log your chat sessions
• log your e-mails
• copy your keystrokes
• steal your passwords
• take snapshots of your screen
• and just about anything else!

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summary

• Adware is incorporated into shareware
• Allows developers to make money with ads
• Spyware comes bundled with the Adware
• Spyware records your activities
• This information is then relayed back home
• its all very legal
• there are tools to help you combat this nuisance
• real spyware can be utilized by hackers to
  steal your personal information

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contacts

• links
• www.lavasoft.de
• www.spychecker.com
• www.spycops.com
• e-mail me at pklausler_at_emich.edu
• phone [phone]